Scutellaria Indica

Description

Scutellaria Indica, also known as Indian skullcap or hoodwort, is a flowering plant that is native to Asia and Africa. It belongs to the mint family and is highly valued for its medicinal properties. This plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 centimeters in height and blooms from June to October.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Scutellaria Indica has a unique appearance with its small, tubular-shaped flowers that come in a range of shades from blue to purple. The flowers are arranged in spikes that grow from the top of the stem. The leaves are ovate in shape and have a toothed edge. The plant has a bushy growth habit and can spread up to 50 centimeters in width.

Care Guide

Scutellaria Indica is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires moderate care.

Water

Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Fertilization

Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.

Soil

Scutellaria Indica prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.

Sunlight

Provide the plant with full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but blooming may be reduced.

Hardiness Zones

Scutellaria Indica can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Scutellaria Indica is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, or powdery mildew. Regular inspection of the plant can help identify and treat any issues.

Habitat

Scutellaria Indica is native to Asia and Africa and is commonly found in warm, tropical regions. It prefers moist soil and can often be found near streams or other bodies of water.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Scutellaria Indica be grown indoors?

A: Yes, Scutellaria Indica can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location. However, it may not bloom as well as it would outdoors.

Q: Is Scutellaria Indica deer-resistant?

A: Yes, Scutellaria Indica is deer-resistant and is a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.

Q: Does Scutellaria Indica have any medicinal properties?

A: Yes, Scutellaria Indica has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, inflammation, and respiratory issues.

Q: How often should Scutellaria Indica be pruned?

A: Scutellaria Indica can be pruned after blooming to promote bushy growth and prevent leggy stems.

Related Plants

• Scutellaria barbata
• Scutellaria galericulata
• Scutellaria lateriflora
• Scutellaria baicalensis

References

• “Scutellaria Indica” Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285610&isprofile=0&basic=scutellaria%20indica
• “Scutellaria Indica” PlantZAfrica. Retrieved from http://pza.sanbi.org/scutellaria-indica
• “Scutellaria Indica” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Retrieved from http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=194274